Sports Editor
After the opening week of games, the Los Gatos High School Boys’ Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) basketball teams began their preseason tournaments. The Varsity boys played in a tournament at Westmont High School, while the JV boys played at Willow Glen High School in the 2022 Ram Rumble Tournament. The LGHS girls’ basketball program was also in preseason action as well.
The Varsity Boys’ team began their tournament with a 10-point victory over Prospect High School. The final score was 41-31 in favor of Los Gatos. They advanced into the winners’ bracket and faced Burlingame High School where Burlingame edged out LG with a close score of 45-38. Following their narrow defeat, Los Gatos played Fremont High School in their final game of the tournament. LGHS prevailed in a 49-36 win led by seniors Max Houghton and Victor Josifovski who each scored 11 points. Their performances propelled the Wildcats to finish third, especially Houghton who was named to the All-Tournament team. The team plays again next Friday, Dec. 23 on the road against Oak Grove High School.
Meanwhile, the LG JV Boys’ basketball team competed in the Willow Glen Ram Rumble tournament. LG opened with a dominating performance against Pioneer High School, winning in an absolute blowout of 57-16. Cruising into the semifinal of the winners’ bracket, LG had a much more competitive game versus Dougherty Valley High School in which LG was able to escape with a 59-46 victory, thanks to some clutch free throws by sophomore Anthony Martin.
After their hard-fought win, the Wildcats clinched a berth in the championship game against Archbishop Mitty High School. This matchup between LG and Mitty was a tightly contested, back-and-forth game which required an extra four minutes in overtime to declare the winner. LG triumphed in the end 58-55, following an incredible performance by Martin who made multiple clutch shots. Martin was later named tournament MVP. Sophomores Danny Greene and Owen Panu also chipped into the Wildcats’ success as they were named to the All-Tournament team. LG JV Boys’ basketball will have their next game at home against Santa Cruz High School on Saturday, Dec. 17.
The LG Girls’ basketball team traveled to Del Mar High School to play Hillsdale High School. Los Gatos easily defeated their opponent, winning with a score of 54-30. Sophomore Nicole Steiner dominated for the Wildcats with a team-high 17 points. Sophomore Ashley Childers added another 14 points for Los Gatos. LG JV Girls’ basketball played at Branham High School on Wednesday, Dec. 7, where they suffered a 54-11 loss. Immediately following that game, the LG Girls’ Varsity team faced Branham’s Girls’ Varsity team. LG had a valiant effort but lost 45-41 to their opponents. Both girls’ teams will be in action next week with the JV Girls’ team facing Aragon High School at home on Saturday, Dec. 17, and the Varsity Girls’ team clashing against Pinewood High School on Saturday, Dec. 10.
(Sources: Los Gatos Athletics, MaxPreps)
Categories: School Sports, Sports